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The New Age of Working Dogs: Different Jobs, Different Diets

Nutrition research in working dogs has focused primarily on sprinting Greyhounds and endurance sled dogs. More recent investigation into other sporting arenas like agility dogs, olfactory- task oriented dogs (detection dogs and Foxhounds), and other event dogs (field trial to dock diving dogs) has shown that potentially these dogs have different dietary or supplement needs for peak performance. Unfortunately, in the past 10 years as performance endeavors have changed and evolved, little research has been done examining nutrition and its role in these athletic endeavors. As a result, optimal nutrition information relies heavily on sled dog and Greyhound research and the practices of lay people. Dispelling myths and molding research findings into everyday practices remains a challenge.